A blue sky above the Belgian coast, blue EU and UN flags flying, and none other than the blue Smurfs in their homeland, a perfect setting for a gathering of around 2000 students on a mission to save the blue planet. This was just one of the first actions taking place in the margins of the #EUBeachCleanUp – a global campaign for climate, happening on or around 21 September, World Coastal Cleanup Day. This day also marks the International Day of Peace, and also happens to be the day when in New York the UN Youth Climate Summit brings together young activists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to showcase climate solutions and engage with global leaders on this defining issue of our time. Adolescents and youths from different walks of life…. together with international organisations and global partners… all with one goal: joining forces in this global fight… a peaceful fight… committed to combatting climate change!

In long-standing democracies, where elections are held in an environment of 'normality', it is easy to forget how complex and fraught with pitfalls the process leading to the casting of the ballot can be.